Keep the season festive: Explore tips to improve safety during the holidays
Chrismas get-togethers, Thanksgiving meals, and spending quality time with family members are a few of the traditions we appreciate over the holidays. It’s a time for celebration, but the season has some unique safety risks. Thankfully, following some simple guidelines and using an advanced security system at your Cedar Rapids residence can improve safety during the holidays.
Going out of town? Avoid break-ins at your Cedar Rapids home with modern video cameras and automation
Traveling to see relatives is an important element of the holidays, but leaving your Cedar Rapids house empty increases the risk of burglaries. But there is a way to reduce the risk. Modern home security systems permit you to keep tabs on your property no matter your whereabouts with advanced surveillance. You can check live streams from your cameras via the smart home app on your cell phone.
Leading surveillance devices take an active role in safeguarding your home. If an individual comes within range, cameras will use audible and visible cues to frighten them away. Here are serveral other ways you can prevent break-ins when you’re away:
- Schedule lights to come on at various times to make your home appear occupied
- Confirm that your home security sign is noticeable
- Go to your home security app to ensure doors are locked and your alarm is set
- Avoid announcing on social media that you’re leaving town
Protect against seasonal porch pirates in Cedar Rapids
For numerous families, the holidays mean a steady wave of packages to your front door. Avoid enticing thieves by allowing them to sit on your porch. Rather, receive an immediate update to your phone whenever something arrives so you know to retrieve it.
When you can, schedule deliveries for when you know you’ll be home. When that’s not possible, see if a neighbor can bring them in. You can unlock your door and deactivate your alarm from your phone. If somebody is on your porch, you can talk to them through your video doorbell’s 2-way talk function.
Practice proper fire safety during the holidays in your Cedar Rapids home
Christmas trees, candles, homemade meals, and decorative lights are common during the holidays, but they also increase the risk of fires. Here are several tips for how to prevent them:
- Kitchen fires rise during the holidays, particularlly at Thanksgiving. Avoid turning your back on an active stovetop. Keep little ones away to protect against burns. Remember to adhere to manufacturer directions when cooking with fryers.
- Keep Christmas trees watered and a safe distance from fireplaces and candles. Be mindful that trees become more flammable as they dry.
- Don’t overload electrical outlets with too many lights and extension cords. Insecure connections and damaged outlets are at risk of sparking and may result in fires.
- Glowing candles are enchanting but also risky around decorations and trees. Position them thoughtfully and always blow out flames when stepping out of a room.
Monitored fire alarms are an excellent way to upgrade your protection. When sensors like CO detectors and fire alarms link to your home security, you and your 24-7 monitoring professionals will know when an alarm sounds, whether you’re on site or away.
Remain safe during the holidays with a Vivint smart home in Cedar Rapids
Find everything you need to keep your family safe during the holidays and all year long from Vivint. Our Cedar Rapids smart homes include modern features like custom automation, monitored fire alarms and video cameras with active deterrence. Contact us at (319) 419-4827 and give your loved ones the gift of improved protection this holiday.